Buffered Vs Unbuffered Vitamin C (2023)

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble essential nutrient and powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Moreover, this essential nutrient cannot be produced by your body, which is why you need daily vitamin C for continued health.

Vitamin C may be one of the most well-known immune nutrients that protect against immune deficiencies and which supports the prevention and recovery from the common cold and upper-respiratory issues, and also protects your cardiovascular system, eyes, skin, and other parts of your body.

Buffered Vs Unbuffered Vitamin C


Buffered and unbuffered vitamin C refer to different forms of vitamin C supplements, and they have distinct characteristics and potential benefits.

Unbuffered vitamin C is typically in the form of ascorbic acid. This is the purest and most common form of vitamin C which can be rapidly absorbed by the body, providing a quick boost of vitamin C when needed. However, unbuffered vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid is highly acidic. This acidity can be harsh on the stomach for some individuals, especially when taken in high doses or on an empty stomach.

Buffered vitamin C is typically found in the form of calcium ascorbate or sodium ascorbate. These forms of vitamin C are less acidic and may be easier on the stomach. However, buffered vitamin C may have slightly slower absorption rates compared to ascorbic acid due to the presence of buffering agents. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more sustained release of vitamin C into the bloodstream.


Is It Better to Take Buffered or Unbuffered Vitamin C?

Which one to choose depends on your specific needs and tolerance:

  • Unbuffered ascorbic acid might be a good option if you want a quick vitamin C boost or are taking it to help your immune system, especially if you are able to tolerate its acidity.
  • Buffered vitamin C in the form of calcium ascorbate or sodium ascorbate may be a preferable option if you have sensitive stomach or want to take vitamin C in higher doses because it is less likely to upset your stomach.

Your personal preferences and any digestive problems you may have should be taken into consideration when deciding between buffered and unbuffered vitamin C. Before making any significant changes to your supplement regimen, always seek medical advice.



Best Buffered Vitamin C Supplements

1. Sports Research Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C 1000mg


Our 1000 mg Vitamin C capsules deliver a high concentration of this essential nutrient in a convenient one-a-day veggie capsule. Our vegan Vitamin C is non-GMO verified, gluten-free and soy-free, without the binders, extra ingredients, or other unnecessary stuff. Manufactured in a cGMP-compliant facility in the USA.

Help keep your body functioning at its best with this immune support supplement. Rich with powerful antioxidants, our Vitamin C capsules play a role in helping healthy cells and promote antioxidant activity*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Ingredients: Non-GMO verified Ascorbic Acid,Vitamin C

Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 - more than 6,800 global ratings

These are a great source of vitamin C as a supplement.At least for me, anyway I am in my seventies, I have a low immune system. And, I personally have been taking two capsules on some days, it give me the boost I need. I love that it’s a product of organic veggies being used organically in a capsule. It’s priced high but I will be buying them again, soon.



2. Nutricost Ascorbic Acid Powder (Vitamin C)

Nutricost Ascorbic Acid Powder (Vitamin C)

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This is Nutricost Ascorbic Acid (Or Vitamin C). It contains 1 Gram (1,000mg) of potent, high-quality Vitamin C per serving. The Powder is non-GMO and gluten-free.

- Potent & High Quality Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) Powder
- Made in a GMP Compliant Facility
- 1 Gram Per Serving (Scoop Included) - About 1/4 tsp
- 907 Servings Per Bottle
- Bottle may have a white or black lid; product and powder of same quality.

Ingredients:  Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)

Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – more than 3,550 global ratings

Nutricost Ascorbic Acid Powder Reviews
I am up to taking 10 grams a day and it has really kicked my bronchitis! Very happy with this product, and really surprised by the size of the container! has about 950 servings and comes with a tiny one-gram scoop for portion control. Start with low doses and work your way up, the ascorbic acid will cause stomach issues. I mix mine with my morning and evening smoothies.



3. BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM Ascorbic Acid Powder

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM Ascorbic Acid Powder


Our Ascorbic Acid powder, or Vitamin C 1000mg, is the perfect way to help keep you healthy!* And, Vitamin C 1000mg powder is a powerful antioxidant essential for your overall wellness!*

Enjoy the easy-to-use powder, or pure Vitamin C powder, for any drinks or beverage like juice, or smoothies. And, our food grade ascorbic acid powder is free of gluten, soy, dairy, added sugars and especially fillers, so you can be sure you're getting only pure Vitamin C per 1/3 tsp serving!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Ingredients: Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 8,630 global ratings

My whole family uses this, it's great for boosting your immune system (among other things) especially with the change of seasons and the ever dreaded flu arriving (which we just had) we usually buy a pound and go through it really fast. I have my grown children coming by and will send them home with some too usually so this 2.2 Lb pkg was great! 

It's crystaline powder, easily disolves in water and was a bargain for the price, I'm extremely happy with it! And as if all that weren't enough, the seller got my order out fast and I was able to track it up to my door step, if you're not a Prime member you're missing out, I've gotten my last few orders within the 2 days even on the weekends now! I highly recommend it and I highly recommend this product and the seller they have alot of great products and I've just placed my 2nd order with them which was shipped out within an hour!



Best Unbuffered Vitamin C

1. Ester-C Vitamin C (as ester-c calcium ascorbate)

Ester-C Vitamin C 500mg | 24 Hour Immune Support*

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Ester-c 24 hour vitamin c supplement tablets for immune support offer a unique formula that stays in your system for up to 24 hours, so you have around-the-clock immune support. The metabolites in ester-c help enhance the retention of vitamin c in your white blood cells, which are a vital component of your immune system.

– this vitamin c supplement is clinically studied to last up to two times longer than regular vitamin c
– non-gmo, gluten free vegetarian vitamins are made with no artificial color, flavor, or sweetener

For adults, take two ester-c 500 mg vitamin c immune support supplements once daily, preferably with a meal.

Ingredients
2 Tablets: Vitamin C (as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate) 1000 mg; Calcium (as Ester-C Calcium Ascorbate) 110 mg; C-Sorb Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 204 mg (Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex [Citrus Spp] [Peel and Fruit], Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Lime, Lemon, Acerola Extract, Rutin, Hesperidin Complex [Citrus Spp] [Peel], Naturally Occurring Vitamin C Metabolites); Vegetable Cellulose; Contains < 2% of: Calcium Silicate; Natural Palm Leaf Glaze; Vegetable Magnesium Stearate; Vegetable Stearic Acid

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – more than 7,200 global ratings

Ester-c Vitamin C Immune Support Tablets Reviews
I felt a real difference using these while on iron! I used this along with other stuff in my immunity regimen and I firmly believe this works exactly as it says. Given the pandemic and working as a nurse, I wanted to strengthen my immune system as I go in and help my patients everyday. I take these every morning with orange juice, iron and elderberry drops and I believe it works great for me! Will purchase again!



2. Solgar Ester-C Plus 500 mg Vitamin C (Ascorbate Complex)

Solgar Ester-C Plus 500 mg Vitamin C (Ascorbate Complex)

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The Vitamin C metabolites in Ester-C positively impact retention of Vitamin C in cells; This complex yields beneficial antioxidant and immune system support; Includes natural bioflavonoids, acerola berry, and rose hips fruit powder

Moreover, special manufacturing process creates a unique calcium ascorbate metabolite complex; Less acidic, pH-neutral Vitamin C for sensitive stomachs; Easy to digest, highly-absorbable

- free of: gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, sweetener, and color
- non GMO, vegan
- gentle & non acidic

Ingredients
Vitamin C (as Ester-C® calcium ascorbate), Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, Acerola Extract (Malpighia glabra) (fruit), Rose Hips (fruit), Rutin. Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silica. FREE OF: Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Yeast, Sugar, Sodium, Artificial Flavor, Sweetener and Color.

Ratings
4.8 out of 5 – more than 3,350 global ratings

Solgar Ester-C Plus 500 mg Vitamin C Supplement for Immune System Reviews
I use this product to help my immune system. I like that it is made of natural products. It seems to help keep bladder infections away for me. I take this so that I will not get the flu. Usually every winter I get a bad flu but this year for me I did not get the flu. I have been buying this at a local store but I like the convenience of having this delivered. We all could stand stronger immune systems.



3. Pure Encapsulations Buffered Ascorbic Acid (Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Potassium Ascorbate)


Pure Encapsulations Buffered Ascorbic Acid (Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Potassium Ascorbate)


Buffered ascorbic acid combines calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, and potassium ascorbate to create a neutral pH vitamin C.* This special form of ascorbic acid lessens possible gastric irritation in sensitive individuals.*

Pure Encapsulations products are free from wheat, eggs, tree nuts & peanuts, gluten, artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners, coatings and shellacs, GMOs, and unnecessary binders, fillers & preservatives.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Ingredients
Each serving size (1 capsule) contains: Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate and potassium ascorbate) 670mg, Calcium (as calcium ascorbate) 15 mg, Magnesium (as magnesium ascorbate) 37 mg, Potassium (potassium ascorbate) 20 mg. Other ingredients: Vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water), ascorbyl palmitate.

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 600 global ratings

I had always had a sensitivity to Vitamin C and it would make me queasy with/without food. This has changed that, I can take this when ever and keeps my family and I healthy!



FAQ

1. Vitamin C Benefits

immune nutrients, Immune Nutrients to Calm COVID-19 and Cytokine Storm

a. Vitamin C is an Antioxidant

When free radicals build up in the body, they can cause oxidative stress, which has been related to a variety of chronic illnesses.

Antioxidants are molecules that help the body’s immune system function better by defending cells against dangerous molecules known as free radicals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to boost your body’s natural defenses. It protects the skin from oxidative stress by sequentially donating electrons to neutralize the free radicals. (Source)

b. Vitamin C Helps Lower Blood Pressure

A study suggest that the antihypertensive effect of vitamin C is associated with a reduction in vascular sensitivity to noradrenaline and enhancement of endothelium-dependent relaxation due to increased nitric oxide bioavailability.

Another study also suggest that for short-term trials, vitamin C supplementation reduced systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Long-term trials on the effects of vitamin C supplementation on BP and clinical events are needed.

Vitamin C for Diabetes Type 2

A review of 28 studies (Diabetes Care. 2021 Feb) in 1,574 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation may improve blood sugar control and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.

c. Vitamin C for the Immune System

Overall, vitamin C appears to exert a multitude of beneficial effects on cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Although vitamin C is a potent antioxidant protecting the body against endogenous and exogenous oxidative challenges, it is likely that its action as a cofactor for numerous biosynthetic and gene regulatory enzymes plays a key role in its immune-modulating effects. [Source]

Vitamin C also plays a vital role in neutrophil function and thus essential for proper immune system response. It helps white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules such as free radicals.

Does Vitamin C Help With Cold?


Controlled studies have shown that vitamin C shortens and alleviates the common cold and prevents colds under specific conditions and in restricted population subgroups.

A review of 29 studies in 11,306 people demonstrated that regularly supplementing with vitamin C at an average dose of 1–2 grams per day reduced the duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children (PubMed).

The review also demonstrated that regularly taking vitamin C supplements reduced common cold occurrence in individuals under high physical stress like marathon runners and soldiers by up to 50% (PubMedPubMed).

People who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time (PubMedPubMed).

Vitamin C for Sepsis

Additionally, high dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from viral infections (PubMedPubMed).

d. Vitamin C for Respiratory Health

Vitamin C deficiency has been linked to a weakened immune system and a higher risk of respiratory infections. Vitamin C has a function in modulating an infectious agent’s resistance. As a result, vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial in preventing and treating pneumonia.

Vitamin C intake may also speed up the recovery from a sinus infection, minimize sinus inflammation, and shorten the length of a sinus infection or cold.

e. Vitamin C for Heart Health


High blood pressure, high triglyceride or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels are factors that raise the risk of heart disease. Vitamin C may assist to lower these risk factors.

A study suggest that high supplemental vitamin C intakes can reduce incidence of major coronary heart disease events.

This report shows a strong inverse correlation with blood ascorbic acid levels and all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular disease.

f. Vitamin C for Iron Absorption

Vitamin C intake has been shown to improve iron absorption. It binds non-heme iron and stores it in a form that’s easier for your body to absorb. (Source)

g. Vitamin C for Skin Health

i. What Does Vitamin C Do For Skin?

Vitamin C is found at high levels in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) as well as the dermis (inner layer of skin). Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties, and its role in collagen production help keep your skin healthy. This is why vitamin C is one of the key ingredients found in many antiaging skin care products.

ii. Vitamin C for Collagen Synthesis

Vitamin C is important for the formation of collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up more than 70 percent of the dry weight of your skin. Collagen can also improve skin elasticity, reduce visible wrinkles, tooth health and increase blood flow to the skin. Therefore, collagen helps to heal damaged skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. 

Adequate vitamin C intake can also help repair and prevent dry skin. An article published in Indian Dermatology Online Journal states that, when applied topically, vitamin C can reverse the signs of photoaging like hyperpigmentation.

iii. Vitamin C Protects From Sun

Vitamin C is also an essential part of the skin’s defense system. Your skin cells use this vitamin to protect from stress caused by pollution, smoking, and UV rays. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers (ScienceDirect). 

Taking vitamin C orally can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to your skin for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It does this by decreasing cell damage and helping the healing process of bodily wounds. Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C may shorten the time needed for wounds to heal. (PubMedPubMed).

h. Vitamin C for Anti-Aging  

Vitamin C can help to maintain a proper epigenome, especially in combination with another longevity ingredient, alpha- ketoglutarate.


2. Vitamin C Dosage



The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men, 75 mg for women, and up to 120 mg for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, certain medical conditions may require that you take much higher doses (NIH). However, smokers need 35 mg/day more vitamin C than nonsmokers. (Source)

Children have lower vitamin C requirements, which range from 25–75mg per day, depending on their age. However, it’s not generally advised to give children a vitamin C supplement unless their pediatrician has recommended it.

Note that the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C for men, as well as women ages 19 and above, is 2,000 mg. Meanwhile, the UL for children ranges from 400–1,800 mg, depending on age. Daily intakes at or below these amounts are unlikely to result in any adverse health effects (NIH).

Generally, high doses of vitamin C are unnecessary and could contribute to harmful side effects. Only consume high doses if your healthcare provider recommends doing so.


3. Vitamin C Deficiency

Although vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries, it can cause serious health problems that, if left untreated, could be fatal. Most people do not take 5 servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Furthermore, Vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat during cooking and our human bodies are not capable of producing and storing Vitamin C. 

Severe vitamin c deficiency, often called scurvy, can cause bruise, gum and dental problems, dry hair and skin, also anemia. Doctor will do the diagnosis based on symptoms and blood test result. Increasing consumption of food high in vitamin c or taking vitamin C supplements usually increase your vitamin c level.

a. Risk Factors of Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C levels have been shown to decrease in the elderly population as well as those exhibiting chronic underlying conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension). 

– Alcoholism
– Babies only fed cow’s milk
– Seniors only consuming tea and toast diet
– Not getting enough fruits and vegetables
– Smokers : Tobacco smoking (each cigarette oxidizes about 60 mg of vitamin C)
– People with eating disorders
– People with type 1 diabetes who need a lot of vitamin C
– Individuals with disorders of the GI tract like inflammatory bowel disease.
– Individuals with iron overload, which causes the kidneys to waste vitamin C

b. Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency can start to appear after 8 to 12 weeks. Early signs include a loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy.

Within 1 to 3 months, there may be signs of..
  • Anemia
  • Myalgia, or pain, including bone pain
  • Swelling, or edema
  • Petechiae, or small red spots resulting from bleeding under the skin
  • Corkscrew hairs
  • Gum disease and loss of teeth
  • Poor wound healing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mood changes, and depression (Source)

4. Vitamin C Overdose


Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin which gets excreted in the urine when consumed in excess.


a. How Much Vitamin C Is Too Much?

In males and females aged 19 years and older, the upper limit for vitamin C consumption is 2,000 mg. For pregnant or nursing women, the restriction stays the same.

We would not recommend taking high dose supplementation of Vitamin C for maintenance purposes. High dose Vitamin C are considered prescription dosage and is meant for 'treatment' and not 'maintenance'. Up to 500 mg/day should be reasonable.

b. Vitamin C Side Effects

Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, an overdose of vitamin C supplements might cause..
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
(Source)

High dose vitamin C supplements may even cause diarrhea, as they can signal your body to pull water out of the cells and into your digestive tract (NIH).

c. Is Vitamin C Bad for Your Kidneys?

Too much vitamin C in your system can raise the amount of oxalate in your kidneys, which can lead to kidney stones.

d. Vitamin C Interactions

i. Copper

Taking large doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on a regular basis lowers your level of copper, so if you are already deficient in copper and take high doses of vitamin C, you can compromise your immune system.


5. Vitamin C Foods

Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, and potatoes are major contributors of vitamin C to the American diet. Other good food sources include red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe. Although vitamin C is not naturally present in grains, it is added to some fortified breakfast cereals. 

The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and is destroyed by heat. Steaming or microwaving may lessen cooking losses. 
Fortunately, many of the best food sources of vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, are usually consumed raw. 

Consuming five varied servings of fruits and vegetables a day can provide more than 200 mg of vitamin C.

Obtaining nutrients from whole foods is always the best approach, but if you have difficulty meeting your nutrition needs for any reason, a supplement may be necessary.

a. Vitamin C Content in Foods

FoodServing sizeMg per servingPercent of 90 mg DV
Guava, raw1 cup, raw377419%
Sweet red pepper, raw1 cup, raw190211%
Tomato juice1 cup, canned170188.9%
Orange juice1 cup124137.8%
Sweet green pepper1 cup, raw120133%
Hot green chili pepper, raw1 pepper, raw109121%
Oranges1 large fruit97.5108.8%
Strawberries1 cup, sliced97.6108%
Papaya1 small fruit95.6106.2%
Pink grapefruit juice1 cup93.9104.3%
Broccoli1 cup, raw81.290.2%
Pineapple chunks1 cup, raw78.987.7%
Potato1 large vegetable72.780.8%
Brussels sprouts1 cup, raw74.879.8%
Kiwifruit1 fruit6471.1%
Mango1 cup, raw60.166.7%
Cantaloupe1 cup57.363.7%
Cauliflower1 cup, raw51.657.3%
Lemon1 fruit44.549.4%
White grapefruit½ medium fruit3943.3%



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